How to travel with kids

I'm planning to take a train journey with my five-year-olds next weekend. So what, you may well ask! Well, if I recall the last time I flew with them, I have plenty to be afraid of! For one, an airport is a far more organized and neater place, and if I had a tough (read: very tough) time with them in that backdrop, imagine what awaits me in a railway station and on an a train!

I'm sure many of you are planning to do the same, with the schools closed for the summer holidays, and there may be people choosing the railway over a plane for various reasons. But, as a blogger known simply as "The Family Man" wrote: "If India's trains are a challenge for grown-up travellers – so how on earth would nine-year-olds cope?"

A railway station, especially in north India (I speak from experience, not prejudice) is a dirty, crowded place, where whole families can be spotted sprawled on platforms, with their entire home parked next to them, leaving little room for passengers to even walk and reach their point of departure, not to mention the view of tracks filled with open excreta.

Just keeping pace with the porters seems a challenge, because they navigate through the milling crowds - comprising passengers, people who have come to recieve them, and cart-sellers - with such speed, that if we don't keep them in sight, they may just vanish with our precious luggage! Add to this the obvious heat of May, and the scene looks filled with chaotic possiblities.

If you have similar worries, read on for some tips on how to make the journey risk-free and smooth sailing...

1. Keep your travel itinerary simple

The more simple your travel plan, the more enjoyable and stress-free the holiday will be. Because, with kids, things don't go as smoothly anyway. So, if you don't have too much to do or see, you'll be better able to take the unexpected day thta you are forced to remain indoors, because of bad weather or if the kids need to rest.

2. Split-up the baby-sitting job

Prior to the trip, split up the baby-sitting job, because it is indeed tough to supervise children all by yourself. So, spliut chores, and take turns at minding the children.

3. Avail family deals at hotels

When choosing hotels, always look out for special family deals, discounted rates and free meals for children. Don't buy buffet meals for children and instead ask for 'complimentary' meals for children, because they usually don't eat much and are moody eaters.

4. Get confirmed accommodation

Finding accommodation when you arrive with children in tow can be immensely challenging . So, it may be a good idea to book in advance when you can pick and choose to suit your needs.

5. Buy travel cards

Buying a family card for flights or a railcard gives you access to further discounts.

6. Choose the ideal seats

Choosing the right seats on a train results in ensuring a more comfortable journey for your kids, who normally cannopt sit still or need to keep indulging in physical games as their idea of fun.

7. Set rules

On a train or plane, set rules as to how far the children can stray. Otherwise, it won't be just them who would have missed their flight or train!

8. Guard against dehydration and bad water

Children fall ill on journeys primarily due to excess thirst or by drinking polluted water. So, stick to bottled mineral water or boil it if you have access to a stove. Also, ensure regular intake of water as holidays means no routine and water intake too is not regular.

Watch this lovely video to know the little things you can do to make your journey that little bit more comfortable...